To listen to the audio of this post, follow the link.
Much press is currently being given to the definition of mercy. People are weighing in on who most deserves mercy in this world.
Ironically those on both sides of the debate for mercy seem a bit unmerciful to those who disagree with their definition of mercy.
Jesus addressed mercy more than once in his teachings. Not only did He talk about it, He modeled it in His Life. He showed mercy.
He said,
“Go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice.’”
Matthew 9:13
Jesus was repeating what God spoke through the prophet, Hosea.
“For I desire mercy, not sacrifice, and acknowledgment of God rather than burnt offerings.”
Hosea 6:6
So we can be assured God wants us to show mercy.
We can be assured when we show mercy, we are acknowledging God because He Himself shows great mercy.
To whom did Jesus extend mercy? The perpetrators or the victims? He extended mercy to both.
How do we do that?
To begin with, we must look at how we ourselves extend mercy. We must give up judging how others do or do not extend mercy.
If we are true Jesus Followers, we can continue to call for mercy from others, but besides that we must show mercy ourselves.
Our first act of mercy may be being merciful to those who are unmerciful.
Beyond that, if we are true Jesus followers, then we must do what He says.
He said simply,
“If you love Me, keep My Commands.”
John 14:15
What are His Commands?
Love one another.
Do not judge.
Forgive one another.
Love your enemies.
Pray for those who persecute you.
Be merciful.
Where does mercy begin? Where we are. At home. In school. In the store. In hospitals. In churches. On the road. On social media.
Jesus is saying to each of us, “Go and learn what this means. I desire Mercy.”
Mercy takes practice. When we have lived the way of the world for a long time, mercy will not be our natural response.
But if we intentionally commit to following Jesus, His Way can become our way.
Jesus added another important thing to know about mercy. It flows back to you after you give it. It may not come from the one to whom you extended mercy, but it will come to you out of God’s storehouse.
Jesus said,
“Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.”
Matthew 5:7
